With summer in full swing and the civic holiday long weekend right around the corner, the OPP are reminding the public of a simple life-saving app.
What3words is a free, easy-to-use app that divides the world into 3-by-3 metre squares and assigns each one a unique three-word address. In an emergency, callers can provide those three words to a dispatcher, allowing first responders to pinpoint their exact location.
The OPP has integrated what3words into its Provincial Communications Centres since late 2020. Police say the app drastically reduces response times and is especially valuable when someone cannot accurately describe where they are. They say the app can still function in places with limited data connectivity, making it well suited for rural or remote locations.
Police say the app can benefit anyone who spends time outdoors, including hikers, campers, paddlers, boaters, anglers, snowmobilers, ATV riders, hunters, and cottage owners. It can be particularly useful during search and rescue operations, off-road vehicle collisions, boating emergencies, and medical incidents in remote locations.
As an example of the app’s effectiveness, the OPP points to a rescue in January 2026 when officers from the Peterborough County OPP responded to a call from a group of hikers who got lost in the Harold Town Conservation Area near Peterborough. After being instructed to use the what3words app, they were able to provide an exact location, allowing officers to reach them quickly.
“The Ontario Provincial Police encourages anyone planning outdoor activities to download the free what3words app before they head out,” said Constable James Clarke of the Northumberland OPP Detachment. “In an emergency, being able to provide a precise location can help first responders find you faster, particularly in remote areas, on trails, or on waterways where traditional landmarks may not be available.”
